Water-resistant frame

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprised of: a front panel; a rear panel secured to the front panel at an outer periphery and forming a space therebetween adapted to receive a picture; an opening through which the picture is positioned within the apparatus; and at least one securing member positioned rearward of said rear panel and adapted to secure the apparatus to a substantially flat and potentially wet surface. One type of a securing member is a suction cup. The suction cup can include a post extending through the rear panel and the front panel, or just through the rear panel, and engages a post cover which is either forward of the front panel or is between the front and rear panels, respectively.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of water-resistant frames, and specifically to a reusable and transparent device to temporarily frame and hang pictures or written material for use in wet environments such as a bathroom shower or outside window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the front side of one embodiment of the picture cover according to the instant invention.

FIG. 2 shows an edge view of the embodiment of the picture cover shown in FIG. 1 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of one embodiment of a sealing member used in the embodiment of the picture cover shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the picture cover in a step of inserting the picture into the picture cover, both being shown in an inverted position.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the picture cover with the picture positioned within the picture cover and exposed through the picture cover.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the embodiment of the picture cover shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the front side of an alternate embodiment of the picture cover including four (4) suction cups.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to temporary frames for hanging pictures or written material in wet environments. In many instances, there is a desire to hang pictures of children, artwork, or printed materials in a shower. It may also be desirable to frame written materials in the shower to help prepare for a meeting, test, or the like. Similarly, it may also be desired to frame and hang pictures or written materials on another potentially wet surface such as a bathroom mirror or an outside window. Thus, there is a need for a product which meets the need for easily hanging and/or framing pictures and written materials on surface that may be or become wet, is attractive, and is of relatively low cost.

Even though existing designs may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present version of the invention. These designs are exemplified by the following patents:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,468, “Closure Arrangement for Reclosable Bag and Method Thereof,” issued to Tomic, et al. on Mar. 9, 1999 teaches a flexible bag having male and female profiles cooperatively arranged to inhibit interlock-blockage caused by small substances. The female profile includes first and second opposing legs, each of which has a securing head at an extended end, a base adapted for attachment to the first panel section of the bag, and a neck between the securing head and the base. At least one of the first and second legs has a plurality of portions removed to form a first series of breaks. The portions removed include the securing head and the neck. The male profile is adapted for attachment to the second panel section of the bag and is arranged to interlock with the first and second legs. A method of constructing and using the bag are also described.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,839, “Display Device with Plastic Laminate and Frame,” issued to Heikkila, Unto A. on Jun. 9, 1998 teaches an advertising device or sign that has a plastic frame with a front that contains advertising. The advertisement is on a plastic laminate with holes around its periphery that engage pins on the back of the frame. The back further has receptacles that engage a holder that forms an optional pocket. The optional pocket contains items that can be handed out or mailed. The frames can be joined together to form a larger display than can be accommodated on a single frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,566, “Profile Sealing Flange,” issued to Schreiter, Michael E. on May 13, 1997 teaches a profile sealing strip for providing a resealable closure including a lateral flange, a sealant layer, and a closure portion. The lateral flange has first and second sections each having a length, an outer surface, and an inner surface. A plurality of ribs extends along the length of the outer surfaces in which adjacent ribs form a channel therebetween. The closure portion includes a closure means and a base. The base of the closure portion is disposed between and connected to the first and second sections of the lateral flange. The closure means protrudes beyond the inner surfaces of the first and second sections of the lateral flange. The sealant layer has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the sealant layer is adjacent the first section of the lateral flange and connected to outer segments of the ribs. The second portion of the sealant layer is adjacent the second section of the lateral flange and connected to outer segments of the ribs. Corresponding mating profile sealing strips are then attached to a package by a heat-sealing process which provides the package with a reclosable seal.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,700, “Waterproof Art,” issued to Hudson, Robert L. on Jul. 4, 1995 teaches a sealed aperture is formed in a laminated assembly by prepunching a central sheet such as a paper art print to form a first aperture and then laminating the art print between two sheets of laminating film to form a laminated assembly in which the two films are fused together in the aperture to form a single film in the form of a disc. A second aperture is then punched through the disc having a smaller diameter than the film aperture such that a sealed border remains between the second aperture and the first aperture.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,552, “Photo Display Method and Apparatus,” issued to Fritz, Wayne L. on Jun. 28, 1994 teaches a set of pockets, each having a back sheet and one or more front sheets, each constructed of a flexible, moisture-resistant material and connected to form a plurality of pockets, each sized to accept a photographic print. Each photographic print is slid into the pocket, resulting in the pocket substantially enclosing, displaying, protecting, and supporting the print in substantially coplanar relation to prints supported in other pockets. The pocket has a front sheet of a translucent material to allow viewing of prints enclosed therein. Also provided are a plurality of connection devices which will allow two or more sets of pockets to be connected for display purposes.

As used herein, the term “picture” will be defined as including any flat object that can be inserted within the device, including but not limited to photographs, drawings, written documents, or any other relatively flat object to be displayed. That is, “picture” should not be interpreted only as a photograph or drawing.

The present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that substantially fulfills this need. Additionally, the prior patents and commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements arranged and configured as disclosed herein.

The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects, and advantages through a new, useful, and unobvious combination of component elements with the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing only readily available materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of a temporary picture cover. It should nevertheless be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that modifications such as the size, materials, shape, form, assembly, and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in the following description. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner.

It should be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related and means about or roughly rather than an accurate quantification.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1 and 2, in which there is illustrated a front view of the front side of one (1) embodiment of a temporary picture cover 100 and an edge view of the embodiment of picture cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, respectively. The elements making up picture cover 100 are extremely thin, and therefore some of the figures are exaggerated in thickness relative to the actual appearance of the elements in the finished physical device. In the embodiment shown, picture cover 100 includes picture 50 positioned therein (see also FIG. 4) and two (2) suction cups 110. Suction cups 110, as described in greater detail infra, are one embodiment of a securing member. Picture cover 100 is basically rigid. However it does have a certain degree of flexibility. In the embodiment shown, cover 100 is made of vinyl, but can be made of any other material that functions similar to the requirements provided herein.

In the embodiment shown, picture cover 100 is made up nearly entirely of clear or colored (tinted) transparent plastic, and picture 50 can be any flat object that can be viewed as defined supra. In addition, in an alternate embodiment, the back panel (not shown; as discussed in detail infra) could alternately be colored or at least partially opaque and front panel 120 (as discussed in detail infra) clear to allow viewing of picture 50, forming a colored frame around picture 50.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, one embodiment of picture cover 100 includes front panel 120 and a back panel 130, between which the picture (not shown) can be positioned. Front panel 120 is constituted by a single piece of plastic, and back panel 130 includes upper section 132 and lower section 134. While back panel 130 is made up of two (2) sections, it will be referred to at times as a single member in describing the overall picture cover 100. For convenience, picture cover 100 is referred to having top edge 102, bottom edge 104, and side edges 106, and picture cover 100 will be described as so oriented, although it may be mounted in any of various orientations, depending on the picture's 50 orientation. It should also be understood that picture cover 100 could alternately be constructed with front panel 120 having upper and lower sections and back panel 130 having a single section.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in the embodiment shown, two (2) suction cups 110 are positioned at the top two (2) corners of picture cover 100 and extending rearward. Suction cups 110 are of any size and material. In the embodiment shown, suction cups 110 are made of a clear elastomeric material. However, they can also be colored for a more aesthetic appearance.

Suction cups 110 can be secured to picture cover 100 by any means known in the art. In the embodiment shown, suction cups 110 have a post (not shown) extending therefrom and through picture cover 100 at holes 115. The posts are then locked in place relative to picture cover 100. In an alternate embodiment of picture cover 100, the posts extend only through back panel 130, with the suction cup securing member (discussed in detail infra) between front and back panels 120, 130. This construction, however, requires the cup securing member to be emplaced therebetween before front panel 120 is sealed to back panel 130 as described infra.

Front and back panels 120, 130 are sealed together around their periphery as indicated at 108 by any known means in sealing plastic art. This line of sealing is referred to as an “outer sealing line 108.” Inward of outer sealing line 108 is another sealing line 109, referred to “inner sealing line 109.” Outer sealing line 108 and inner sealing line 109 form inner space 55 (see also FIG. 4) for receiving picture 50. Water, weather and other outside elements are thereby prevented from passing into inner space 55 between front panel 120 and back panel 130 through holes 115.

Referring again to FIG. 2 and the construction of back panel 130, upper section 132 of back panel 130 extends from upper edge 102 of picture cover 100 down nearly to lower edge 104 (as shown in FIG. 1). Lower section 134 is shown as having upper edge 136, which is overlapped by upper section 132 of back panel 130. While front panel 120 and back panel 130 are sealed together entirely around picture cover 100, top edge 102 and side edges 106 form a permanent sealing against the interior of picture cover 100, but along bottom edge 104 of picture cover 100, front and back panels 120, 130 are arranged for insertion or removal of picture 50. For this feature, attention is directed to FIGS. 2 and 3. Lower section 134 of back panel 130 is held by outer and inner sealing lines 108, 109 and upper edge 136 of lower section 134, and lower edge 138 of upper section 132 are free of attachment to front panel 120 as indicated at 135. Upper and lower edges 136, 138 of back panel 130 can be flexed outwardly, while their outermost edges remain sealed to front panel 120. FIG. 2 shows the edge portions so flexed outwardly. FIG. 4 shows picture cover 100 in an inverted position, and edge portion 138, which constitutes a flap, opened out to a much wider extent. In so opening this flap, the entire picture cover 100 can be bent around a vertical axis to facilitate that step.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of one embodiment of sealing member 140 used in the embodiment of picture cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. Sealing member 140 releasably secures overlapping upper section 132 and lower section 134 of back panel 130 together. In this embodiment of picture cover 100, sealing member 140 is a zipper and is constituted by a pair of strips of clear plastic, one having a groove and the other a pointed insert, and provides a moisture-tight seal between upper section 132 and lower section 134 of back panel 130. The edges forming the groove are flexible outwardly to receive the insert on the other counter part. When upper section 132 and lower section 134 are connected together by sealing member 140, back panel 130 assumes a position nearly straight, though there is a certain thickness developed by the overlapping. However, in practical sense, the added thickness is very slight.

In another embodiment, sealing member 140 is a zipper, but further includes a visual signal in the form of colored plastic visual indicator strip 143 secured to lower edge 138 of upper section 132 of back panel 130 and extends the full width of picture cover 100. In the embodiment shown, sealing member is positioned above lower edge 138 of upper section 132 so as to form flap 139, which extends free of the other elements, enabling the user to grip it and pull upper section 132 of back panel 130 free of lower section 134, visual indicator strip 143 being positioned on flap 139 to facilitate observing of the location of flap 139. It should also be understood that although the embodiment shown has sealing member 140 positioned horizontally, sealing member 140 could alternately be positioned vertically or any other orientation, including non-linearly.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of picture cover 100 in a step of inserting picture 50 into picture cover 100, both being shown in an inverted position, and FIG. 5 shows a front view of picture cover 100 with picture 50 positioned within picture cover 100 and exposed through picture cover 100. Collectively, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the manner in which picture 50 is put into picture cover 100 they are made ready for mounting. In FIG. 4, picture cover 100 is shown inverted relative to that of FIG. 1 to place the opening at the top for convenience. Picture 50 is shown partially inserted into picture cover, also in inverted position. After picture 50 is so inserted, the sealing member (not shown) is closed, sealing picture cover 100 and thus picture 50 is completely encased. FIG. 5 shows picture 50 and picture cover 100 inverted again to an upright position. As noted above, front panel 120 and back panel 130 are transparent and preferably clear, although they may be colored, and the inscriptions on picture 50 show readily therethrough, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the embodiment of picture cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1. Front panel 120, rear panel 130, suction cups 110, holes 115 extending through front panel 120 and rear panel 130, posts 117, and post covers 118 can all be appreciated, though there is no picture shown between front panel 120 and rear panel 130 of picture cover 100. As stated supra, in the embodiment shown, suction cups 110 are made of an elastomeric material and can be colored or substantially clear. The use of suction cups 110 allows picture cover 100 to be temporarily secured to a window, a mirror, or tile, including in a shower, as well as to a refrigerator, stove, other appliance, or any smooth and relatively non-porous surface. Posts 117 extend forward of suction cups 110, through holes 115 in both rear panel 130 and front panel 120. Posts 117 are then covered by post covers 118, protecting a user and locking suction cups 110 in place relative to picture cover 100. In an alternate embodiment, posts 117 extend only through rear panel 130, and post covers 118 are between front panel 120 and rear panel 130. However, in such a construction of picture cover 100, post covers 118 would have to be positioned between rear and front panels 130, 120 prior to rear and front panels 130, 120 being secured together as described supra.

Suction cups 110 are only one embodiment of a securing member. In alternate embodiments of picture cover 100, securing members can alternately be a hook-and-latch mechanism (i.e., Velcro®)), adhesive tape, a rope or string, nails, screws, hooks, and combinations thereof. These securing members can be used to secure picture cover 100 directly to a surface or used to suspend picture cover from another object, e.g., a Shower Caddy®.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of picture cover 100 including four (4) suction cups. The embodiment includes all of the elements shown and described with respect to FIG. 1, but further includes two (2) additional suction cups 115 positioned at the bottom corners of picture cover 100 and two (2) additional holes 115 to accommodate the additional suction cups 115, though there is no picture included in picture cover 100. Still other embodiments can include fewer or more additional suction cups 115, positioned in addition to the four (4) locations shown or in alternate locations as is necessary for any particular use, e.g., heavier pictures. Furthermore, picture cover 100 can include the same or other numbers of suction cups 110 in alternate locations besides the four (4) corners.

While the picture cover has been shown and described with respect to several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is to be understood that the same is not limited thereto. Many of the details referred to herein are given as examples, and the invention is of such scope to encompass many variations and modifications thereof as known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the details shown and described herein, but rather cover all such changes and modifications obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. 

1. An apparatus comprised of: a front panel; a rear panel, said rear panel secured to said front panel at an outer periphery and forming a space therebetween adapted to temporarily receive a picture; an opening, said opening allowing said picture to be inserted or removed from said space; and at least one securing member adapted to secure said apparatus to a substantially flat surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said picture is selected from a group comprised of a photograph, a drawing, a written document, and combinations thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front panel and said rear panel are made of a vinyl.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rear panel is of a material selected from a group comprising a clear material, a tinted material, and a colored material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front panel or said rear panel is formed of an upper section and a lower section, said upper section and said lower section forming said opening.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said apparatus further includes a sealing member to temporarily seal said opening, said sealing member selected from a group comprised of a zipper and a zipper further including a colored plastic visual indicator strip.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one securing member is selected from a group comprised of a suction cup, a hook-and-latch mechanism, an adhesive tape, a rope, a string, a nail, a screw, a hook, and combinations thereof.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of a cup securing member positioned between said front panel and said rear panel, and wherein said suction cup is further comprised of a post, said post penetrating said rear panel and being secured to said cup securing member.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of a cup securing member positioned forward of said front panel, and wherein said suction cup is further comprised of a post, said post penetrating said rear panel and said front panel and being secured to said cup securing member.
 10. An apparatus for temporarily holding a picture comprised of: a front panel; a rear panel, said rear panel secured to said front panel at an outer periphery and forming a space therebetween adapted to temporarily receive said picture; an opening, said opening allowing said picture to be inserted or removed from said space; and at least one suction cup positioned rearward of said rear panel and adapted to secure said apparatus to a substantially flat surface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said picture is selected from a group comprised of a photograph, a drawing, a written document, and combinations thereof.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said front panel and said rear panel are made of a vinyl.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said rear panel is clear, tinted, or colored.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said apparatus further includes a sealing member to temporarily seal said opening, said sealing member selected from a group comprised of a zipper and a zipper further including a colored plastic visual indicator strip.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of a cup securing member positioned between said front panel and said rear panel, and wherein said suction cup is further comprised of a post, said post penetrating said rear panel and being secured to said cup securing member.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of a cup securing member positioned forward of said front panel, and wherein said suction cup is further comprised of a post, said post penetrating said rear panel and said front panel and being secured to said cup securing member.
 17. An apparatus comprised of: a front panel; a rear panel, said rear panel secured to said front panel at an outer periphery and forming a space therebetween adapted to temporarily receive a picture; an opening, said opening allowing said picture to be inserted or removed from said space; a sealing member to temporarily seal said opening; at least one suction cup positioned rearward of said rear panel and adapted to secure said apparatus to a substantially flat surface, each of said at least one suction cup further comprising a post, said post penetrating said rear panel and said front panel; and at least one cup securing member positioned forward of said front panel, said cup securing member adapted to engage one of said post to secure one of said at least one suction cup to said apparatus.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said picture is selected from a group comprised of a photograph, a drawing, a written document, and combinations thereof.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said front panel and said rear panel are made of a vinyl.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said rear panel is clear, tinted, or colored.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said sealing member selected from a group comprised of a zipper and a zipper further including a colored plastic visual indicator strip. 